Christian Friedrich Penzel (25 November 1737 – 14 March 1801) was a German musician. Although he was a composer in his own right, he is remembered more for his association with Johann Sebastian Bach. He was one of Bach's last pupils and is known for his copies of Bach's works.[1]
Life and career
editBorn in Oelsnitz, Vogtland on 25 November 1747, Penzel was the son of a church sexton. He began his formal musical training in his native city where he studied under the cantor J. G. Nacke. He entered the St. Thomas School, Leipzig in 1749[1] while Bach held the position of Thomaskantor. Bach died the following year.[2]
After Bach's death, Penzel became a prefect at the school under Bach's successor Gottlob Harrer.[3] The position involved him directing the boys' choir (Thomanerchor) on occasion. Harrer needed a deputy because he had health problems: he died in 1755 while taking the waters at Carlsbad.[citation needed]
From 1756 through 1761 Penzel studied the law at Leipzig University. He attempted to succeed his father as church sexton, but was unsuccessful. In 1765 he was appointed Kantor at Merseburg; succeeding A.F. Graun in that post. He died in Merseburg on 14 March 1801.[1]
Works copied by Penzel
editThe music sung by the Thomanerchor in the 1750s included revivals of Bach's vocal music, which partly explains Penzel's interest in Bach's cantatas. For several cantatas Penzel's copy is the oldest surviving source.[4] He also copied instrumental works including early versions of the Brandenburg Concertos (for example, what appears to be the earliest version of the first Brandenburg Concerto).[5]
References
edit- ^ a b c Jones, Richard; Wollny, Peter (2001). "Penzel, Christian Friedrich". Grove Music Online. Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.article.21267.
- ^ Wolff, Christoph; Emery, Walter (2001). "Bach, Johann Sebastian". Grove Music Online. Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.article.6002278195.
- ^ Boyd, Malcolm (1996). Bach : the Brandenburg Concertos (Digital print. ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 60. ISBN 9780521387132.
- ^ For example, Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit, BWV 106, Ich lasse dich nicht, du segnest mich denn, BWV 157.
- ^ Marissen, Michael. (1992). ON LINKING BACH'S F-MAJOR SINFONIA AND HIS HUNT CANTATA. Bach, 23(2), 31–46. Retrieved from https://www.jstor.org/stable/41634120